Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head) helped pass legislation (A.9150-A) today to ensure the Port Authority of New York functions as an open, transparent and accountable inter-state public authority. The measures contained in this legislation will bring accountability and transparency to the Port Authority’s standards and practices by setting forth specific operational and organizational standards.

Montesano is a co-sponsor of Assembly bill A.9658, which bolsters ethics at the New York Port Authority and reins in the exclusive perks its commissioners and their staff are eligible for. He sees today’s vote as a necessary step toward ensuring the Authority is committed to functioning in a responsible and fiscally sound manner.

“For too long, the Port Authority has managed to avoid operating under the set of rules and regulations other public employees and authorities must follow,” said Montesano. “This legislation provides strong ethical standards and compels the Port Authority to function in a responsible manner. This was a vital piece of legislation, and I am pleased that my colleagues and I took action to address the problems at the Port Authority.”